As your college student heads back to school, he probably wants to add a new cell phone to the list of items he’s packing. He wants the latest and greatest smart phone, with unlimited text and data plan, doesn’t he? And if he’s paying, that’s great.

If you’re paying, you probably want to do a little research to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Here are some things to consider:

• Family plans are usually the cheapest route — unless someone regularly exceeds minutes or text message limits.
• Before you sign a contract, make sure the service provider has coverage in the city where your student attends college.
• Find out if there are any discounts available through the college. Some providers offer discounts to students with a valid student ID. (Similarly, many providers offer discounts to the employees of large corporations.)
• Consider the area code that your student’s phone will have. Does it make sense to have an area code that is local to the college or to your hometown? Keep in mind the landlines you’ll use to call your student’s phone to make sure you don’t incur long-distance charges.

Once you’ve signed up for a plan, make sure your college student understands the limits on minutes, texting, and data usage. Also, watch for any ways to save on those limits. For example, you may want your son to call your cell phone instead of your home phone if cell-to-cell calls within a family plan don’t count against your monthly allotment of minutes.

Resources:

• Best Ways to Ditch Your Cell Phone Plan
• Changing carriers? The FCC explains your rights.

Allconnect is a premium sponsor of Real Estate Connect, a technology real estate conference taking place this week in San Franciso. The company has launched new functionality at www.connectmybuyer.com. Below is the official release. If you are a Realtor, or know a Realtor, have them try connectmybuyer.com out between now and July 30 and they’ll be entered to win a trip to Napa Valley!

Allconnect Launches Unique Marketing Tool for Real Estate Pros

New, free online system lets brokers create custom brochures about home services for clients

SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2010 – Allconnect – the leading comparison shopping and connections marketplace for essential home services – today unveiled a new, unique customer service and marketing tool at Real Estate Connect 2010 created specifically for real estate professionals. ConnectMyBuyer.com is an innovative, free system that delivers benefits to both realtors and their customers.

By accessing Allconnect’s ConnectMyBuyer.com, realtors can input a client’s address and create an individualized email or flyer that lists contact information for water, waste, gas, and electric services.  It also includes a summary of the television, Internet, and phone service plans available for the specific location.  New home buyers can compare providers, plans, and rates, with no obligation to purchase.

“ConnectMyBuyer is designed with both the homeowner and the realtor in mind,” said Glenn Goad, Allconnect Chief Strategy Officer.  “The homeowner has access to information about special offers, can explore which plan is right for them, and get best-price guarantees. Realtors can provide customer service that exceeds expectations while standing out from the competition.”

ConnectMyBuyer.com is already in use at Allconnect’s real estate partners, including Harry Norman Realtors, Home123, Keller Williams Realty: The Rawls Group, RE/MAX Executives, and Prudential Palms Realty.

“Our comprehensive database is regularly updated to have the latest information from service providers. The front-end technology is easy to use. The combination gives realtors hassle-free access to a powerful personal brand enhancer,” said Allconnect’s Goad.

About Allconnect
Allconnect is the leading provider for connecting consumers with household services including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, and natural gas and electric utilities.  The company offers a convenient, simple, and objective one-stop source for comparing options and pricing, whether consumers are transferring or establishing household services during a move or simply wanting to ensure they are on the best plan for their budget.  This service is offered at no charge, online or by phone.  Founded in 1998, Allconnect has connected over 20 million people through its partnerships with more than 30 utility companies and hundreds of service providers across the U.S.  Allconnect employs more than 500 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in St. George, Utah; Danville, Virginia; and Mexico.  Realtors can learn more at ConnectMyBuyer.com.  Customers can visit Allconnect.com or call a Home Services Consultant at 800-930-1940.

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If you use your cell phone for all calls, dropping your landline has probably crossed your mind. If that impacts your current Internet access, however, the next step is exploring options for Internet service without a phone line. Internet via satellite, cable, and wireless are the typical solutions, though DSL Internet providers are also offering dry loop,” “naked DSL” or “stand-alone” that allow consumers to use DSL Internet service without a phone line.  Read more about the options for Internet service without a phone line in the Resources section.

For readers in Georgia, take note of this press release sent out today by Allconnect. The company is donating $1 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for every order placed online!

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, March 9, 2010 – Customers who order or transfer their home services using Allconnect, Inc., are finding more than convenience, choice, and the best price.  Throughout 2010, Allconnect is donating $1 to Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) for every order placed at www.allconnect.com.

The $1 donation is made when a Georgia customer orders or transfers home services, including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, natural gas and electricity, through Allconnect’s free one-stop online resource.

This fundraising effort is in addition to Allconnect’s ongoing sponsorship of Special Olympics Georgia and volunteer efforts of employees.  Allconnect employees volunteered at the State Indoor Winter Games in January, assisting athletes at the craft tables in between athletic events.  They will also be participating at SOGA’s fundraiser, Race for Champions Annual 5K Fun Run on May 22, as well as the Duck Derby fundraiser on June 25.

“Having a donation made each time an online order is placed is an easy, free way for customers to support Special Olympics Georgia,” said Mark Miller, Allconnect CEO. “Special Olympics is one of the most respected sports organizations in the world.  It’s inspiring to watch these athletes overcome challenges and excel. We are proud to support them through donations and volunteering.”

About Allconnect
Allconnect is the leading provider for connecting consumers with household services including satellite TV, cable TV, Internet, phone, home security systems, and natural gas and electric utilities.  The company offers a convenient, simple, and objective one-stop source for comparing options and pricing, whether consumers are transferring or establishing household services during a move or simply wanting to ensure they are on the best plan for their budget.  This service is offered at no charge, online or by phone.  Founded in 1998, Allconnect has connected over 20 million people through its partnerships with more than 30 utility companies and hundreds of service providers across the U.S.  Allconnect employs more than 500 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in St. George, Utah; Danville, Virginia; and Mexico.  Keep up with Special Olympics Georgia events at www.facebook.com/allconnect.